New Study: 10% of Gays Discriminated Against When Arranging Funerals

A new study published Thursday revealed some startling information - one out of 10 gay, lesbian or bisexual people have been discriminated against either during a funeral or while arranging one, Pink News reports.

The study, conducted by the U.K. LGBT rights group Stonewall and the Co-Operative Funeralcare, also found 48 percent of gay, lesbian or bisexual people have lived in fear of discrimination when dealing with the death of a loved one.

According to the report, 55 percent of respondents over 45 said they had no financial provision in place for their own funeral. The study said the people to most likely discriminate against same-sex couples were family members and religious leaders.

Nearly a quarter of respondents said they worried about the obstacles they'd have to overcome when planning a funeral and 23 percent said they were worried how the funeral director would treat them.

"Many older lesbian, gay and bisexual people grew up in a time when they were discriminated against and persecuted simply because of who they are," said Ruth Hunt, acting chief executive of Stonewall. "It's therefore hardly surprising that so many feel reluctant to access services to help them plan for later life."

She added: "At Stonewall we know that we stand on the shoulders of a generation whose tireless work helped to change Britain and the world for the better. We now have a responsibility to make sure that they receive the help and support they deserve for themselves and their families. That is why we're working with community groups and faith organizations to help make this a reality."

While the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) continues to seek the support of House Republican lawmakers, poll results show that the vast majority of Americans are under the erroneous assumption that such federal protections are already in place.